The scene opens with a description of the jewelry-for-jewelry bartering that has been going on in the family jewelry shop. It's clear that the sellers are trying to make a quick buck, but they're also trying to keep up appearances. They're trying to sell nail polish, a necklace, and a button, but the buyers aren't willing to part with anything of value. Jay and the boys try to sell a tiara, which they think is missing a gem. Jay says he's going to take the boys back to the jewelry shop with him. He asks if they have a gem in mind, and they all agree that they do. He's looking for something "passionate," like a ruby, to complete the look. He wants to know if there's anything they can do to make the deal work, but he can't seem to find anything. He tells the boys to meet him back at the pawn shop in an hour, and he asks if he has a gem that he can trade for. They agree that he does, and the two of them go off to find the gem.